GLP-1 Medications

All About GLP-1 Medications

Glucagon-Like Peptide Receptor Agonists (GLP-1's) have been getting a lot of attention over the last few years, since they were approved for weight management. This drug has been around for a long time as an FDA regulated medication for Diabetes management.

The GLP-1 miracle drug is absolutely amazing for people that need it and use it appropriately. Learn more about this medication and factors to consider if you're debating whether or not to take this medication.

The best way to utilize this medication is to take it in conjunction with working with a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator. This drug helps to increase satiety with food, making you feel more full, reducing hunger cues, and reducing cravings. Therefore, while taking this medication it will be easier to work on the goals we come up with in our sessions together. By losing weight this way you are working to ensure healthy long term sustainable results. Evidence points towards the significance of working with a RD while on this medication and after, if you decide to discontinue the medication, to help ensure sustainable habitual results and long term changes. (1, 2)

What do GLP-1s do?

• The hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is released from the gut in response to food intake (3)

• Reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production after a meal (4)

• Slow digestion to make you feel more full, curbing hunger (3, 5)

• Cardio and neuroprotective benefits (5)

• Reduction of inflammation (5)

What are the side effects of taking a GLP-1 medication?

• Mostly gastrointestinal (GI) related symptoms related to slowed gastric emptying, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation (6)

• Potential vitamin deficiencies, if oral intake becomes severely limited (2)

What are the PROS and CONS when considering whether or not to take this medication?

PROS

• Diabetes/blood sugar regulation

• Weight loss

• Reduced chance of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke

CONS

• Weekly injections

• Expensive $$$

• Often shortages in medication/unable to obtain certain doses

• Meant to be taken long-term to maintain results (not a quick fix)

• Thyroid C-cell tumor warning

GLP-1s (if not covered by insurance) can cost up to $1,000 PER MONTH!

AND, out-of-pocket expenses may still exist even if the medication is covered by your insurance!

Will my insurance plan cover a GLP-1?

BMI > 30 

Clinically eligible... but your employer may have additional BMI requirements in order to be covered.

BMI > 27 

Often requires at least one comorbidity (listed below) in order to be covered: 

• Type 2 diabetes

• Pre-diabetes

• High Blood Pressure

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• High Cholesterol

• Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

*Coverages varies widely by insurance and employer AND depends on reason for prescription (diabetes or weight loss)

Why work with a Registered Dietitian (RD)?

We can help with...

• Managing GI side effects (6)

• Setting you up with healthy habits and lifestyle modifications to encourage results

• Promoting long-term behavior change to facilitate sustainable weight loss/blood sugar regulation

• Helping you maintain results if you discontinue the medication

• As said by Mozaffarian et al., "A registered dietitian nutritionist can help determine a dietary pattern that meets nutrition goals while accommodating an individual’s dietary needs and preferences" (2)

Weight loss journeys are not successful if they’re not SUSTAINABLE!

Why work with a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDCES)?

We can help with...

• Understanding your medications and determining appropriate dosing 

• Provide expert education for blood sugar regulation, personalized for you and your diet  

• Explain food-medication interactions 

Bottom line? We are the EXPERTS in educating you on diabetes care and blood sugar balance!

How do I move forward with scheduling an appointment with Hleap Nutrition?

If you would like to schedule an appointment, click HERE to be redirected to the "schedule an appointment" tab. You can schedule your appointment online or call us to schedule over the phone, at 215-821-8705.

ALL ABOUT GLP-1 MEDICATIONS

References

1. Despain D, Hoffman BL. Optimizing nutrition, diet, and lifestyle communication in GLP-1 medication therapy for weight management: A qualitative research study with registered dietitians. Obes Pillars. 2024 Oct 13;12:100143. doi: 10.1016/j.obpill.2024.100143. PMID: 39498283; PMCID: PMC11533596. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11533596/

2. Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, Alexander L, Apovian CM, Bindlish S, Bonnet J, Butsch WS, Christensen S, Gianos E, Gulati M, Gupta A, Horn D, Kane RM, Saluja J, Sannidhi D, Stanford FC, Callahan EA. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: A joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025 Aug;33(8):1475-1503. doi: 10.1002/oby.24336. Epub 2025 May 30. PMID: 40445127; PMCID: PMC12304835. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40445127/

3. Madsbad S. The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 impairment in obesity and potential therapeutic implications. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2014 Jan;16(1):9-21. doi: 10.1111/dom.12119. Epub 2013 May 26. PMID: 23617798. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23617798/

4. Escalada FJ. Fisiología del GLP-1 y su papel en la fisiopatología de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 [The physiology of glucagon-like peptide-1 and its role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus]. Med Clin (Barc). 2014 Sep;143 Suppl 2:2-7. Spanish. doi: 10.1016/S0025-7753(14)70101-0. Epub 2014 Oct 15. PMID: 25437458. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25437458/

5. Müller TD, Finan B, Bloom SR, D'Alessio D, Drucker DJ, Flatt PR, Fritsche A, Gribble F, Grill HJ, Habener JF, Holst JJ, Langhans W, Meier JJ, Nauck MA, Perez-Tilve D, Pocai A, Reimann F, Sandoval DA, Schwartz TW, Seeley RJ, Stemmer K, Tang-Christensen M, Woods SC, DiMarchi RD, Tschöp MH. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Mol Metab. 2019 Dec;30:72-130. doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.09.010. Epub 2019 Sep 30. PMID: 31767182; PMCID: PMC6812410. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31767182/

6. Gentinetta S, Sottotetti F, Manuelli M, Cena H. Dietary Recommendations for the Management of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients Treated with GLP-1 Receptor Agonist. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2024 Dec 19;17:4817-4824. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S494919. PMID: 39722834; PMCID: PMC11668918. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39722834/